Insuring Solar Panels
Solar panels are covered under your home insurance if they are attached to the house. Otherwise, they are covered under your personal property insurance. Therefore, it is not necessary to insure your solar panels separately. However, coverage and terms may vary by insurer.
Calculate Your PremiumHome Contents Insurance or Homeowners Insurance?
Whether you choose building insurance or contents insurance to cover your solar panels depends on how they are mounted.
Solar Panels and Homeowners Insurance
Solar panels are covered by homeowners insurance if they are attached to your roof. On flat roofs, they may not be attached. In that case, they are not considered part of your home and are not covered by homeowners insurance.
Solar Panels and Home Contents Insurance
Are the solar panels not permanently attached? If so, they’re covered under your home contents insurance. Be sure to pay close attention to this, because different or stricter conditions apply since the solar panels are located outside the house.
Differences in Insurance Requirements for Rented vs. Owned Homes
Apartment for Sale
Do you own a condominium with solar panels? If so, the Homeowners’ Association (VvE) may be partially responsible for the insurance. Did you install the solar panels yourself? If so, you can insure them yourself under your personal property insurance policy as part of your ownership interest.
Rental Property
In a rental property, solar panels are often considered part of the tenant’s property and are covered under your household contents insurance. Check whether you need to insure your solar panels to ensure additional sustainable living comfort. Separate coverage is sometimes required to receive full compensation. If in doubt, compare the options under your home insurance policy or contact us.
Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Solar Panels
Are your solar panels covered under your home insurance policy? According to the standard policy, most insurers cover you against at least the following:
- Hail. Large hailstones can crack or shatter the glass layer of panels.
- Fire. A fire in or around the home can also damage or melt the solar panels.
- Theft. Panels are particularly prone to theft from easily accessible installations, such as a shed or an addition.
- Vandalism. Attempts at theft or vandalism may result in damage to the panels or wiring.
- Lightning strike. A direct strike or voltage spikes caused by lightning can result in electrical damage.
- Storm damage. Strong winds can tear panels loose or damage roof structures, which in turn can damage the panels.
Own risk
The deductible is an important factor in coverage for damage to solar panels under a building insurance or home insurance policy. In the event of damage—such as from a storm or hail—you must first pay the deductible before you receive compensation from the insurer.
Exclusion
It is often difficult to file a claim for hidden damage. For example, small cracks (microcracks) are usually excluded from coverage. They reduce energy production without you even noticing.
Terms and Conditions for Homeowners Insurance Covering Solar Panels
When insuring solar panels, be sure to take the terms and conditions into account. We’ll highlight three of them.
1
Solar Panels: Part of Your Home
Would you like to include your solar panels in your home insurance policy? If so, make sure they are securely fastened. This means it’s not possible to simply take them with you. They must be physically attached to your home.
2
Value of a home with solar panels
Have your home's value reassessed. When you install solar panels, the value of your home will increase. This means you'll be underinsured under your old policy. Be sure to adjust your insurance coverage or take out a new policy. You'll usually pay a slightly higher premium.
3
Exceptions Regarding Product Damage and Improper Installation
Check what types of damage your insurer covers. Most insurers have strict exclusions, such as damage caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, and costs resulting from malfunctions. Always check your policy to see if product damage is covered. This refers to the loss of electricity caused by damaged solar panels.
Lost Electricity Generation Due to Damage to Your Solar Panels
In some cases, you can include lost electricity revenue due to damage to solar panels in your insurance coverage, but this is not standard. Homeowners insurance usually covers only damage to the panels themselves, not the lost income.
Some insurers offer supplemental coverage or a separate solar panel insurance policy for this purpose. This coverage temporarily compensates for the loss of revenue, often up to a certain maximum amount. It is therefore wise to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Solar Panels
Prevent damage to your solar panels with the following important tips and advice:
- Choose a certified installer when having your solar panels installed. This ensures a safe and professional installation and reduces the risk of panels falling.
- Regularly check the condition of your solar panels for damage and hidden defects, such as microcracks, which may not be visible to the naked eye but can affect their output.
- Perform proper maintenance, including regularly cleaning the panels to remove dirt and deposits. This not only helps prevent damage but also increases efficiency.
- Please be careful and, for example, do not place heavy objects on or around the panels that could cause damage.
- Find out if you need personal liability insurance, especially if your solar panels could cause damage to third parties.
Compare Home Insurance Policies
Do you need home insurance for your house with solar panels? Compare home insurance policies based on coverage and premium. That way, you can easily find the best deal for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Insurance
What is the best way to include my solar panels in my insurance policy?
It’s best to include solar panels in your home insurance policy. The added value of the solar panels will then be added to the previously calculated value of your home. Or choose a combined home insurance policy: a combination of home insurance and contents insurance.
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